UK Gambling Participation Slightly Down: Fewer Problem Gamblers

The UK Gambling Commission has published current data on gambling participation in Great Britain. The latest "Gambling Survey for Great Britain" (GSGB) indicates a slight reduction in overall gambling activity last year. This is a significant development for player protection across Europe.

Overall, 59 percent of the adult population stated they had gambled in the last twelve months. In 2024, this figure was 60 percent. This statistic provides important insights into the dynamics of the British gambling market.

Numbers and facts

Gambling participation over the preceding four weeks also decreased, falling from 48 to 47 percent. Online gambling remained steady at 38 percent. Notably, participation excluding National Lottery players decreased from 41 to 40 percent. Four-week participation in this group dropped from 28 to 27 percent.

The National Lottery remains the most popular product, with 31 percent of adults purchasing tickets. Charity lotteries maintained their 16 percent participation rate. Scratch cards saw a slight decline from 13 to 12 percent.

A particularly encouraging aspect of the survey is the reduction in problem gambling prevalence. Adults scoring eight or more on the "Problem Gambling Severity Index" (PGSI) decreased from 2.7 percent in 2024 to 2.4 percent in 2025. Moderate-risk gambling edged up from 3.1 to 3.5 percent, while low-risk gambling decreased from 8.8 to 7.8 percent. For comparison, GGB Magazine reported earlier data from the UK Gambling Commission showing a problem gambling rate of 0.5 percent for 2018, based on a survey of 4,009 individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales. This highlights how measurement methods and definitions evolve over time.

The Gambling Commission emphasized that consumer engagement in gambling is “at a headline level, stable over time – including the number of people who engage in gambling, the level of enjoyment people have when gambling and the number of people scoring eight and over on the Problem Gambling Severity Index.” They also pointed out that the survey identifies trends within specific demographics, such as increased participation among men aged 55 and older.

The regulator stressed the importance of looking beyond a single metric. The findings highlight “the importance of understanding the broader consequences and risks of gambling from a range of measures rather than relying on one metric.” Reports of harm caused by another person’s gambling also declined. The proportion of respondents saying someone close to them gambled fell from 48 to 43.2 percent, with fewer cases of stress, conflict, or severe consequences linked to others’ gambling.

Background

The latest data is released as the UK government initiates a consultation on a proposal to ban unlicensed gambling sponsorship in sport. Secondary legislation is being considered to empower the Secretary of State to regulate gambling advertising, subject to Parliamentary approval. Under such rules, partnering with an unlicensed operator could become a criminal offense, with daily financial penalties for violations. This indicates a trend towards stricter regulation, which is also observable in Germany.

Why it matters for German players

The developments in the UK partly mirror discussions in Germany. The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has set new standards here, especially in the areas of player protection and regulation. Players in Germany who wish to gamble online should exclusively choose providers with an official German license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). Only these casinos ensure compliance with strict protection measures and are connected to the central player self-exclusion system LUGAS.

This system ensures that players can self-exclude if they encounter problems. It also monitors the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros across all providers. The 1 Euro-per-spin stake limit for slot machines in licensed online casinos also serves to protect against excessive gambling behavior. These measures aim to prevent problem gambling and offer players a safe environment. Although the figures from the UK are not directly transferable to Germany, the decrease in problem gamblers there shows that regulatory measures can have positive effects.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos with a GGL license in Germany, the British developments confirm the path taken. The focus on player protection and responsible gambling is becoming increasingly important. Operators who adhere to the high standards of the GGL build trust with players and contribute to the long-term acceptance of regulated online gambling. Strict rules, such as the 1,000 Euro deposit limit and the ban on autoplay features, are crucial here. These measures prevent the development of problem gambling.

“The findings highlight the importance of understanding the broader consequences and risks of gambling from a range of measures rather than relying on one metric.” - UK Gambling Commission, Official Statement

Both the GGL and the British Gambling Commission pursue the goal of improving player protection and minimizing the impact of problematic gambling. The lower problem gambling rate in the UK could serve as an incentive to examine and implement further preventive measures.